When you are looking forward to seeing a film that has long been on your list to see, it is natural, unfair as it maybe, that this comes with a weighted expectation. For this was the case with Turbo Kid. It is something else then, when the film entirely meets that expectation and throws in a few surprises. A mash of 80's futuristic films but still carving out its own style Turbo Kid is so much fun, you can't help but be swept up in the film.

Turbo Kid is set in post apocalyptic 1997 where pedal power is the only way to get around and bartering is the only economy - only yeah violence and death are also just part and parcel of the landscape. The Kid (Munro Chambers) is an orphaned teen that is a scavenger who combs the wasteland for things to use to barter with and is a fanatical Turbo Rider comic fan. A chance meeting with the mysterious yet insanely happy Apple (Laurence Leboeuf) sets in motion a series of events that go very bad when they are captured by the evil overlord of the wasteland Zeus (Michael Ironside), it is here they meet Frederic (Aaron Jeffery) and the story goes from there.

There is plenty to like about Turbo Kid and a lot of that is due to the acting. Everyone commits in their role, in a film which is totally crazy but its the human touches that give this film more thrust than just straight out bloody, crazy action (of which there is plenty). Munro Chambers is instantly likeable as The Kid, Chambers never loses the mix he has on naive child and someone who has had to fend for themselves for a long time. Aaron Jeffery and Michael Ironside are bloody fantastic in every scene they are in and it is great to watch. However it is Laurence Leboeuf that stands out in Turbo Kid, her Apple brings so much joy to proceedings it is almost unfair, such boundless happiness that you can't help but smile like an idiot along with her.

The practical effects are gooey, splattery goodness and thankfully the CGI shots are short and sharp. The directors do a good job and setting up some stunningly bleak shots, whilst having the characters in colourful outfits works well against this backdrop. Adding to the 80's style I mentioned before is the music which is spot on and the synth music stings make the experience a complete one.

Turbo Kid has a real sweet side to it as well and it helps balance out the crazy on screen happenings, something that helps set up the film. It's a pure adventure/fantasy and it's just fantastic. Turbo Kid is one of the most fun films in years. Just go see it.